Day 3 complete and I've only got two oberservations for you. And both are awesome. Below check the workouts for the day and some thoughts on the camp.
Workouts:
Observations:
1. Holy Grit! Yesterday's workout consisted of two different squat workouts. One consisting of really heavy, high intensity front squats, and the other a volume-oriented rep monster of a backsquat workout. What did that mean for the athletes today? Sore, tired legs. And what did Zyg program? High volume snatch and clean and jerk complex waves. The look on the athlete's face as they started working up through the sets was not a good one. It was obvious many of them were not used to the squatting volume and the impact it would have on their power output and leg strength. However, what happened was nothing short of admirable. Most of the lifters today were fighting to move their feet and create vertical bar speed with a strong leg drive. That fight prevented them from being able to easily make weights that they have smoked in weeks past. However, their tenacity showed up in flying colors. This is where the work ethic and training environment that I talked about Monday really came into play. Zyg was so impressed with most of the work being done he pushed some of the athletes past the written percentages. I think this was his way of testing both their mental strength and capability under pressure. I was very impressed by the work put forth today by a group of athletes that were far from primed for the volume put before them.
Check this link out to see Hayley step up to the plate at 71kg (88%) for a clean + hang clean + fs + jerk. She was cautious and had to be pushed to this weight but once the bar left the ground the result was near perfection. (Only hang clean, FS, Jerk shown)
2. Talent. Talent. Talent. I know I have said this in every blog post this week but the future of American weightlifting is very bright. The talent across this room is immeasurable. However, what I'm noticing a bit more is that much of the efficiency and ability that we are seeing with the barbell comes from genetic potential, a solid foundation of general physical preparedness or a mixture of both. These weightlifters could all be well-rounded athletes in their own right. BUT they have chosen weightlifting. Coaches who are reading this, take note that the development of your young athlete's GPP is of upmost importance to their ability in the sport of weightlifting. All of these athletes here this week are balanced and agile and powerful and coordinated etc etc. Those skills are something that had to be harnessed, developed, and focused upon. At this age (5-18) the focus on overall body development is crucial to an athlete's longevity, durability, and capability in the sport of weightlifting. DON'T neglect it, clearly the coaches of these kids did not. Give at least 40% of their training to that development. What you lose in "training hours" you will gain in an athlete's longevity and success in the sport for years to come.
Don't believe me? Check this link for a box jump like I have never seen in person.